The Welshman missed Wales' nil-nil draw against the Republic of Ireland last night with a foot complaint, but Villas-Boas has confirmed he won't feature against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

When pressed on the matter, Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News: "No, because he's been out injured for most of pre-season.

"He was involved in the games against Brentford and Swindon but not any others, for different reasons; he pulled a muscle in his gluteus that prevented him from being involved for two weeks and he's been complaining of pain in the foot.

"I think the most natural thing is to see him not involved against Palace."

Real have maintained a constant public campaign to try to woo Bale this summer, with a number of senior players admitting they would love the Tottenham forward to join them at the Bernabeu.

Tottenham and Real have yet to come to an agreement over the transfer of Bale despite weeks of speculation that the 24-year-old is set to move to the nine-time European champions.

Bale has made it clear he wants to leave Spurs for the Spanish capital, but chairman Daniel Levy is said to be demanding a fee in excess of the £80million that Real paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo four years ago.